Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of exploiting a border dispute to incite conflict. Tigray officials claim Eritrea is trying to benefit from regional instability. Yemane Gebremeskel denies these accusations, stating Eritrean forces are within their borders. Concerns of an impending war involving neighboring regions have been raised, highlighting ongoing tensions in the Horn of Africa.
Eritrea has accused Ethiopia of utilizing the ongoing border dispute to incite conflict between the two countries. Yemane Gebremeskel, Eritrea’s Minister of Information, issued a statement on social media warning of a potential resurgence of hostilities in the Horn of Africa, following claims by Tigray Interim Administration (TIA) President Getachew Reda. Getachew characterized Eritrea as a “rogue element” aiming to exploit instability in Tigray in order to further its interests.
Getachew Reda claimed Eritrea treats Tigray as a “buffer zone” against potential military threats from the Ethiopian government. He accused Eritrea of using what he deems the “illegal” faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) to exacerbate conflict in the region. Former Defense Minister Abraham Belay added that Eritrean forces continue to occupy territories in Tigray, demanding their complete withdrawal to respect national sovereignty.
Responding to these accusations, Yemane denied their validity, asserting that Eritrean troops are positioned within their own sovereign territory. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to silence conflict in the region and indicated Eritrea’s lack of interest in contributing to TPLF’s internal issues. Yemane stated, “Eritrea has no interest in scuttling” the Pretoria Peace Agreement, as it is purely an Ethiopian matter.
Despite Eritrea’s denials, concerns about a potential war between the two nations have been raised. Tsadkan Gebretensae, a high-ranking TIA official, warned that preparations for war are nearing completion and that Tigray could become the main battleground. He indicated that developments could draw in neighboring countries, specifically mentioning Sudan and issues surrounding the Red Sea.
Yemane refuted Tsadkan’s claims, insisting that “Tigray cannot be the battleground for Ethiopia and Eritrea.” He accused Tsadkan of advocating for a “toxic agenda” against Eritrea and highlighted ambitions regarding the port of Assab.
The ongoing territorial disputes trace back to Eritrea’s military involvement alongside the Ethiopian federal government in the 2020-2022 conflict against the TPLF. This military presence in contested areas has persisted despite efforts towards a peace agreement, raising ongoing tensions in the region.
In summary, Eritrea has accused Ethiopia of leveraging the border dispute to instigate conflict, following allegations from Tigray officials that Eritrea’s involvement is destabilizing the region. Despite these accusations, Eritrean officials assert their troops are within their sovereign borders. Tensions remain heightened, with warnings of potential conflict developments in Tigray, particularly given the historical context of military involvement in the area. The situation underscores the fragile equilibrium in the Horn of Africa, where both diplomatic and military tensions persist.
Original Source: www.thereporterethiopia.com
